History

1994

Alliance Defending Freedom is launched

January 31, 1994 - Alliance Defending Freedom (formerly known as Alliance Defense Fund) is introduced to the nation at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Washington, D.C. with Alan Sears as president.

1995

2 Key Victories for Religious Liberty*

ADF plays a critical role in two Supreme Court victories that set legal precedents for future victories. One affirms the right for organizations to not associate with groups with whom they disagree. The second faults universities for illegally denying funding to student activities by reason of their religious convictions.

1997

Legal Academy Established

First-ever ADF Legal Academy begins training Christian attorneys in constitutional law so they can provide pro bono/dedicated service to the Body of Christ.

2000

Blackstone Legal Fellowship Formed

The ADF Blackstone Legal Fellowship development program trains some of the best and brightest Christian law students from across the nation.

2001

Equal Access to School Property for Christians

U.S. Supreme Court rules that middle schools must provide equal access to after-school Bible clubs to meet on school property, thanks to precedent set by ADF.

2003

1,000th Grant Awarded

In less than 10 years since its founding, Alliance Defending Freedom is blessed to award its 1,000th grant to help fund cases that defend religious freedom.

2004

2 Key Victories

City of Littleton (CO) v. Z.J. Gifts

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously rules communities can defend themselves against the spread of sexually-oriented businesses and the resulting social consequences.

Elk Grove Unified School District v. Newdow

The U.S. Supreme Court reverses the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision finding that public school recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance violates the Constitution because the pledge includes the words “under God.”

2006

U.S. Supreme Court Affirms Religious Freedom

In less than a month, the U.S. Supreme Court issues unanimous decisions affirming religious freedom in four ADF-backed cases.

2007

Victory in "Partial-Birth Abortion" Case

The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the federal ban on so-called “partial-birth abortions” in the ADF-backed case, Gonzales v. Carhart.

2008

Ministry Publication Launched

2011

ADF Challenges ACLU in School Tax-Credit Case

The U.S. Supreme Court affirms in ACSTO v. Winn, the right for parents to choose the best educational option for their children through an Arizona tuition tax credit program. This includes provision of scholarship funds to private Christian schools. The ACLU loses the right to use its “offended taxpayer” strategy to challenge such programs.

2012

Advancing For Faith...For Justice

By God’s amazing grace, a brand new chapter in the 18-year history of this legal ministry begins. Alliance Defense Fund changes name to Alliance Defending Freedom. This new name and tagline will more effectively communicate our mission, strengthen our efforts, and attract like-minded Allied Ministry Friends.

2014

5 Key Victories for Religious Freedom

Town of Greece v. Galloway

The U.S. Supreme Court rules that Americans are free to pray according to their own beliefs at public meetings.

SBA List v. Driehaus

The U.S. Supreme Court upholds the freedom of Americans to speak in accordance with their views by allowing them to challenge laws that silence them.

Lane v. Franks

The U.S. Supreme Court rules unanimously that the First Amendment protects the speech of public employees outside the workplace on matters of public concern.

McCullen v. Coakley

The U.S. Supreme Court unanimously strikes down a Massachusetts law that creates a 35-foot “buffer zone” restricting pro-life advocates from speaking with people entering abortion facilities.

Conestoga Wood Specialties v. Burwell

The U.S. Supreme Court rules against the Obama Administration’s abortion pill mandate in favor of two family run businesses, Conestoga Wood Specialties and Hobby Lobby (Burwell v. Hobby Lobby).

2015

2 Key Victories

Holt v. Hobbs

The U.S. Supreme Court held that an Arkansas prison policy that prevented a prisoner from growing a half-inch beard in accordance with his religious beliefs violated RLUIPA.

Reed v. Town of Gilbert

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Town of Gilbert’s sign code was facially unconstitutional and that it discriminated against the content of Good News Community Church’s signs when the town’s regulation allowed political, ideological, and home owner’s association signs to be larger in size and remain up longer than the church’s temporary signs inviting others to its services.

* Alliance Defending Freedom has played various roles in 54 U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Those roles include representing parties directly, assisting in amicus efforts, and providing financial assistance.